Automated Patient Record Updating via OCR

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual updating of patient records with vital signs data from patient monitoring systems is cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to user errors, especially when healthcare professionals are under workload pressure.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a processor arrangement of an electronic device to receive an image of a patient monitoring system's display screen, extract vital signs data values from the image using algorithms like optical character recognition, and automatically update the patient's medical record, while storing the image for verification purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual updating of patient records is performed by healthcare professionals, then the patient record can be updated with vital signs data, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to user errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of data entryVSAvoidtime required for updating records

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data entry with an automated optical recognition system. The system uses image capture and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to automatically extract vital signs data from the patient monitoring system display, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing both time consumption and human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the vital signs data by capturing an image of the monitoring system display and using OCR to extract the data. This copying process automates the data transfer from the monitoring system to the patient record, replacing manual transcription and significantly reducing the time and errors associated with manual entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If manual input of vital signs data values is performed, then the patient record can be updated, but user errors increase especially when healthcare professionals are stretched in terms of workload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of record updatingVSAvoidaccuracy of data entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing and extracting data without requiring manual intervention. The electronic device autonomously captures the display image, processes it through OCR, and updates the patient record, freeing healthcare professionals from this repetitive task and improving both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the patient monitoring system is not integrated with the medical records database, then the systems can remain independent, but it requires manual updating of the patient's medical record

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of system integrationVSAvoidease of updating patient record

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic device that acts as a bridge between the patient monitoring system and the medical records database. This intermediary captures images from the monitoring system, processes the data through OCR, and automatically updates the database, eliminating the need for direct integration while automating the update process and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If healthcare professionals frequently update patient records manually, then the records stay up to date, but the workload increases and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveup-to-date status of medical recordVSAvoidcomplexity of updating process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing and extracting data without requiring manual intervention. The electronic device autonomously captures the display image, processes it through OCR, and updates the patient record, maintaining up-to-date records while reducing the complexity of the updating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12327632B2Automatic patient record updating

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

The present invention is concerned with the automated updating of a digital patient record with actual vital signs data values for the patient, thereby obviating the need for a healthcare professional attending to the patient to manually input such data values into the digital patient record. To this end, the present application provides several computer-implemented methods for capturing such vital signs data values in digital form, e.g. a photographic image or screen capture[BA1], and automatically extracting the vital signs data values captured in such a digital image therefrom, e.g. using OCR algorithms. Also provided are computer program products for implementing such methods and electronic devices configured to implement such methods.